The short answer
Look for a certification or inspection report signed by a qualified person, dated within the last 10 years, with an inspection in the last year. Check building files, past vendors and the anchors themselves. If you cannot find one, treat the anchors as uncertified until a qualified person says otherwise.
Where the records usually are
- Building and facilities files, including any closing or due diligence binder from the acquisition
- The previous property management company
- Your window cleaning contractor, who should have asked for written confirmation before rope descent work
- The firm that installed or last inspected the anchors
- Original construction drawings and roof plans
- Roofing contractor records from the last reroof
What to look for on the roof
- ID tags or labels on the anchors, which may show an installer, a date or an inspection record
- Anchors that look corroded, loose, bent or painted over
- Anchors buried in or damaged by roofing work
- Anchors that do not line up with the drops the facade needs
A tag is a clue, not a certification. The report is what counts.
What a real certification looks like
Anchor-by-anchor results, the testing method, a capacity statement of at least 5,000 pounds in any direction per worker, dates, and the name and signature of the qualified person. See what a roof anchor inspection report should contain.
If you find nothing
- Assume the anchors are uncertified. Rope descent work should not proceed on them.
- Book an inspection, testing and certification by a qualified person.
- Start an anchor register so the next owner or manager does not have to repeat this search.
Through its long-time anchor partner, S&K installs engineered anchor points and inspects, load tests and certifies existing systems, with records you can hand to ownership, insurers or auditors. See anchor installation and inspection.
Not sure where your building stands? Start with a free roof compliance survey, or read the full Roof Anchor and Fall Protection Compliance guide.
